Last Updated on 14 May 2025
Closure of unsafe maternity unit in Somerset
The Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil Hospital has been closed for safety reasons. It had been under inspection when it was found that significant improvements were needed. This led to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust making the decision to close the unsafe maternity unit and suspend in-patient maternity services, due to the level of concerns that were raised for the safety of babies. The Trust has said that poor care was due to the “high levels of staff sickness” and there being “gaps in the rota’s”.
Head of our medical negligence team and birth injury specialist, Oliver Thorne has over 20 years’ experience in handling childbirth injury cases. Oliver is recommended by the Legal 500 and is a keen member of AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents), which is a charity that campaigns on behalf of victims of medical negligence in the UK. The standards that are set by AvMA are high, making Oliver’s appointment a huge achievement and shows the level of commitment Oliver has shown to mothers and babies that have suffered due to negligence in maternity units.
Oliver has also been actively involved with our local maternity unit, which saw him assist the BBC with the investigation into the maternity unit at North Devon District Hospital. The investigation found a “decade of inaction and poor communication” at the Trust, as well as a “breakdown of relationships between senior doctors and midwifery staff”.
As a result of all the failings within the NHS trusts, it has been new mother’s and babies that have suffered the consequences. Our medical negligence team have dealt with many local cases in Somerset and Devon, such as;
- Failure to detect fetal distress.
- Improperly using instruments like forceps.
- Failing to perform a necessary C-section.
- Failing to monitor, diagnose or treat infections.
- Using incorrect medication.
- Failure to monitor mother’s whilst in labor.
Oliver and his team have assisted families to get the compensation and justice they deserve following traumatic times. With our team being located throughout Somerset and Devon we encourage anyone who feels they may have suffered negligence within the region to contact our friendly helpline service for a free consultation.
Give us a call on 01823 354545 or send an email to us at [email protected].